Girls like Neve Slater don’t get gorgeous guys like William. But William’s been in L A for three years, and Neve’s been slimming down in preparation for his return. Then her sister Celia points out that if Neve wants William to think she's an experienced love-goddess then she’d better get some experience - a man to show her the ropes, like Celia’s colleague Max. And since he’s not Neve’s type, she certainly won’t fall for him...

Your Likes make Audible better!

Publisher's Summary

Girls like Neve Slater don’t get gorgeous guys like William. But William’s been in L A for three years, and Neve’s been slimming down in preparation for his return. Then her sister Celia points out that if Neve wants William to think she's an experienced love-goddess then she’d better get some experience - a man to show her the ropes, like Celia’s colleague Max. And since he’s not Neve’s type, she certainly won’t fall for him...

Neve and William have an intellectual connection and, while he's been in America the past few years, Neve has been working hard to ensure they have a physical connection when he gets back. She has lost a lot of weight and is no longer obese, but she's still doesn't feel ready for William's not-too-distant return. Aside from shifting the last few pounds, she needs more relationship experience - ANY would be handy - so she comes up with the idea of a "pancake relationship", a first relationship that you can chuck away like you throw away the first mangled pancake in a batch. Her sister's hot but sleazy boss Max is the perfect candidate for her first pancake, and he agrees to try the relationship because he's never really been in one himself, and it's ideal for him coz Neve doesn't care if he sleeps with other people coz she certainly doesn't want to sleep with him.

With this hijinksy set up, I was expecting You Don't Have to Say You Love Me to be a lot of fun. And it certainly was. Charming, funny and completely entertaining. But what I wasn't expecting was just how touching it would be - and how much I would relate to it. Neve is a complete mess, and boy did I see my own messy self in her. She is intelligent and attractive, but so incredibly insecure it's painful to read about at times - all the more painful because it was like hearing my own thoughts repeated back to me. From the way she froze when a guy tried to cuddle her across her tummy, to the way she held up her fingers to indicate she was just a LITTLE bit drunk when she was actually very drunk, it was bizarre just how much I felt like Neve WAS me sometimes. Some readers may find all her insecurities annoying, but they felt completely authentic and relatable to me. She also experiences a lot of character growth over the course of her book, and her journey towards accepting and even loving herself is heartbreaking and heartwarming all at once.

The funniest moments, as well as a number of incredibly moving ones, come when Neve interacts with Max. They are complete opposites in so many ways, and it makes for some hilarious and really fun scenes. Even more fun is the amazing chemistry they have, which gets harder and harder for them to resist. Max is a bit of a douche at times, but of course he has a big heart underneath. He is blokey and messy but he's also sexy and charming and respectful and lovely and a little bit broken himself. It's hard not to fall in love with him by the end.

The secondary characters are really great, and I especially loved Neve's family relationships. The way they hurt each other but love each other so much was realistic and really got under my skin. On a lighter level, Neve's work friendships and the office politics she deals with made for an entertaining subplot. Her career ambitions and growing belief in herself, even when others don't, is an awesome part of her character arc.

The story, characters and writing are all fantastic, but I also really appreciated the exploration of what makes a good relationship, and how your dreams and expectations don't always match reality - which can actually be a very good thing. The contrast between someone who you think is right, but who isn't at all, with someone you think is all wrong, but who is actually totally right, was really well done. The whole book was just so realistic in the most entertaining way.

I listened to the audiobook edition of this, read by Julie Maisey, and she did a wonderful job. Neve's voice was perfect and although I was a little unsure of Max's at first, I got used to it and really liked it in the end. The pacing and expression is spot on and all in all it was very compelling to listen to. This is one of those books where you begin to resent the rest of your life for getting in the way of it. When I finished You Don't Have To Say You Love Me I had a big, goofy grin on my face - and it doesn't get much better than that.

If you could sum up You Don't Have to Say You Love Me in three words, what would they be?

Best audiobook ever!!

Which scene was your favorite?

So many favorites!! I love it when Max and Neve go away for Mandy's wedding

Any additional comments?

I have listened to this book about 4 times now. If I can't find anything to listen to I will listento this, I will start from different parts of the book! Its such a great story! I would love for it to be turned into a movie.I just love Neve and Max. The first time I listened to this I was hooked.Julie Maisey is my favorite narrator and this is actullay how I found this fabulous book, I searched other books she had narrated and I found this gem :)I would give this 10 stars if I could.

This was the first book by this author for me and I loved it!! As a larger gal I related to this book in ways I never have with other books with plus sized characters. And Max oh my god swoon just an all round great book.

I love funny chit lit, just about all I listen to, and this book is at the top of my list! It is absolutely witty and laugh out loud funny in some spots. Best use of humor I've seen in any book in this category. The characters are so relatable and lovable, and while romance is the focus of the plot, it's fun to get lost in all aspects of the main character's life - work, social, family, neighbors, diet, health.

It's nice and long, in a I'm-so-glad-I'm-not-getting-close-to-the-end kinda way!

I found myself split at first on this book. There's humor, there's romance and there's lots of sexy moments. However, I found her naivete annoying sometimes, and her self-deprecating comments even worst. And still, if as a woman I'm honest, there are plenty of times when my mind has played the same stream of consciousness that this woman keeps playing in her head. The moment I admitted to this, the book just really clicked for me. A credit well spent!!

Yes!!! without a dout this is the kind of book that allows you to see your self in the female character (Neve), there were moments in the story that had me laughing, moments of anger and frustration and moments when I knew exactly how Neve was feeling.

What did you like best about this story?

I think the best thing about this story is that it's an honest one, I've read books were the female character has overweight problems and the male character falls in love with the girl, tells her she is beautiful in every way and that he accepts her in all her glory. Come on people !!!! life is not like that, the truth is that for overweight girls and women in general sometimes life is not that simple and this book tells it like it is. This book is defenitly realistic but it also has a beautiful and credible love story

What about Julie Maisey’s performance did you like?

Yes I like her performance, I think she did a great job.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Maybe not in one sitting because it had parts that were a little dificult for me to listen and I had to take a moment to think about them.

This book was about weight, love, family, insecurity and so much more. The characters were well written and developed through this story. I really cared about them. This is a book I will listen to again.

And let's not forget the narrator. One of the best I've heard. Her reading was true to the characters.

I basically never read a book twice - but this one I did. And after the second read, I think I will save it in my library for a future third time. I found this book very entertaining, funny and romantic; just what I had been looking for. The narration was perfect too. I recommend.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Miss E. J. Wellman

dorset UK

9/11/12

Overall

"Loved it!"

I couldn't put this away! It is brilliant! If you love a good, modern day, chick read including romance, and comedy sprinkled in for fun this is the book for you! It's well worth the time and sucks you in! Most girls can relate to t in some way it's completely genius!

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Wanda

United Kingdom

12/4/12

Overall

"Gripping and unmissable"

I rarely get so caught up in a book that I find myself planning my journeys between meetings alone... just so that I can listen to my book rather than talking about the latest juicy court case or staff shortage issues with my colleagues!

This storyline is encapsulating, touching and a real eye-opener to just how self-centred us women can unintentially be... I rate this book highly and will follow Ms Manning for a while.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

S

WIDNES, United Kingdom

4/27/12

Overall

"loved it"

Didnt want this to end, a great story , well read. Some racey bits, dont give it to your granny.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Lulu

LONDON, United Kingdom

3/21/14

Overall

Performance

Story

"2-for-1 Romance and a 'Self-help book in disguise!"

Would you consider the audio edition of You Don't Have to Say You Love Me to be better than the print version?

Haven't read the print and wouldn't! The audio version was brilliant and so convenient; it enabled me to enjoy the book in the dark well into the early hours of the morning, lying down comfortably and covered in my duvet whilst my husband was sleeping!

What other book might you compare You Don't Have to Say You Love Me to, and why?

Eat, Pray, Love; because like that book, it reminds us that what the world sees is a reflection of how we portray ourselves. We are reminded that we as individuals, are primarily responsible for ourselves, for our own happiness; and that true happiness in life only comes when we face our own fears, accept our own realities, love and are kind to ourselves.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

The fight between the sisters-in-law, Neve and Charlotte.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

I don't know - but it would be funny, romantic film that I'd love to watch!

Any additional comments?

This is a loveable, witty, fun-tastic, romantic novel!! A true gem!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Susan

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

3/10/14

Overall

Performance

Story

"Most entertaining"

Where does You Don't Have to Say You Love Me rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Up in the top 10

What did you like best about this story?

I found the story line most interesting as I could understand where the main character was coming from. I too have battled to loose a serious amount of weight :)

What does Julie Maisey bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Excellent reader, Julie brought the story alive

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Made me both laugh and cry

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

marta

Norwich, United Kingdom

3/4/14

Overall

Performance

Story

"Absolutely LOVED IT!!!!"

Where does You Don't Have to Say You Love Me rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Second place, right after Jane Austin Pride and Prejudice

What did you like best about this story?

Although I dont have so much sizing issues I admit that at some point of my life I was exactly like the main character Neve, I thought if only I was size 8 all would be much better, my ex would want to come back to me, I would be more liked and so on and so on, so when I listend to the story I fully understood the feeling of Neve. And I must say Max is the best bad boy boyfriend ever... but you will need to read it/ listen to it to know what I'm talking about.

What does Julie Maisey bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Liked the accents and personification of the characters, although sometimes I thought it was a bit to much

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Didn't make me cry, but mostly helped me with understanding that I'm not the only one who had the body insecurities at some stage of life.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Mrs. F. E. Mcpolin

England

9/23/13

Overall

Performance

Story

"Loved it!"

I loved the story and congratulate Julie Maisey on her fantastic narration. She has a different voice for every character. How does she do it?! She brings the whole thing to life and I will be listening to it again. I highly recommend this very entertaining book. Be warned, you will resent any interruptions to your listening!!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Emmabyrne

7/7/14

Overall

Performance

Story

"Slow to start"

What made the experience of listening to You Don't Have to Say You Love Me the most enjoyable?

The characters are easy to relate to and believable

What did you like best about this story?

The ending :) I love a happy ending that makes me feel positive

Which character – as performed by Julie Maisey – was your favourite?

Max

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The fight between the sister and sister in law

Any additional comments?

A wonderful affirming listen

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

john barry

7/7/14

Overall

Performance

Story

"Lovely romance"

What made the experience of listening to You Don't Have to Say You Love Me the most enjoyable?

It's a nice and romantic plot. I've been struggling to reach my weight goals and the main character goes to similar situations...

Who was your favorite character and why?

Neve and Max were great together and I love the dog!

What does Julie Maisey bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

She brought some life to the characters. Gonna try to look for some other books that she read.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Yes, couldn't wait for prince California arrives...

Any additional comments?

Hope to buy some books from this author in future...

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Report Inappropriate Content

If you find this review inappropriate and think it should be removed from our site, let us know. This report will be reviewed by Audible and we will take appropriate action.

Your report has been received. It will be reviewed by Audible and we will take appropriate action.

Can't wait to hear more from this listener?

You can now follow your favorite reviewers on Audible.

When you follow another listener, we'll highlight the books they review, and even email* you a copy of any new reviews they write. You can un-follow a listener at any time to stop receiving their updates.

* If you already opted out of emails from Audible you will still get review emails by the listeners you follow.